When I was four years old I woke up in hospital, scared and alone. It was the start of six years of childhood illness where I was in and out of hospital and spent most of my time at home, away from other children. I recovered by age ten and have led a normal healthy life since. And although it may seem sad, this was when my imagination bloomed and I began making up stories to entertain myself.

As a teenager I spent summers with my cousins in Ireland. Being away from my parents and sisters in a different culture (Yes the Irish culture is different from the English culture) gave me a new perspective on the world and my ability to be independent in it.

Got a job at British Airways. This was a turning point for me. The selection process was long, difficult, and included; three interviews, a two and a half hour intelligence test, and a role-play scenario. Being selected was a huge ego boost. Getting that job changed me from a small, mousy, timid person into a strong, confident woman.

Travelled the world. That sounds more impressive than it actually is. I have travelled – probably more than most, but less than many. For a young person travelling can be a true eye-opener. I came to realize that the social expectations that ruled my life in England didn’t apply to the rest of the world.

Moved to Canada. When I was twenty-six I moved to Canada. It may surprise you to know that the Canadians didn’t want me; mainly because my work as a check-in agent at British Airways was not a skill they needed, so I became a nanny. Apparently they always need nannies. After two years working as a domestic servant I was allowed to stay in Canada and am now a Canadian citizen.

When I was twenty-eight I was involved in a car accident. The other car ran a stop sign. I broke bones in my pelvis, shoulder and jaw. It was a painful experience that made me aware of how our minds and bodies work in unison. It also had an effect on my story telling. By the end of the book I normally injure at least one of my main characters. No one escapes my stories unscathed.

Met my husband. After years of working indoors, as a nanny, I decided I needed to be outside for a while so I took a job as a courier driver in Vancouver. I was twenty-nine and had decided that marriage and children weren’t for me. Then low and behold I met my husband. He was one of the other drivers and six years younger than me – a mere twenty-three – and I remember being grateful that I could legally go out with him 🙂

Had children. I wrote this list in chronological order, but if I’d written it in order of most important then having children would have been number one on my list. It is by far the best, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. My family brings me joy every day and makes me realize how truly blessed I am.

Decided to write a book. Unlike most people who write, I didn’t start writing until I was in my forties, although I always had characters dancing around in my head. I guess you could say that writing is part of my mid-life crisis. I woke up one day and realized that if I wanted to put my stories down on paper I had to do it soon. Then, of course, I had to learn how to write, but that’s a whole other blog post.

Contracted by TWRP. After many false starts, half written manuscripts, and six years of struggling to learn the craft of writing – a profession that is profoundly humbling and rewarding at the same time – My novella A Woman of Honour was contracted by The Wild Rose Press. TWRP then contracted the complete series, A Woman of Love and A Woman of Courage. I’m hoping to publish a collection of short stories entitled Murder by Bear and Other Short Stories, in April or May. I’m also working on a full–length contemporary suspense entitled Sun Seeker.

***On Sale for $0.99***

Blurb:

When an injured Fianna Byrne turns up at Connell O’Neill’s gate twelve years after their separation he knows this could be his last chance to find happiness with the woman he loves.

False accusations against Fianna had strained relations between their clans and forced Connell, under Irish law, to divorce her. Their disastrous three-month relationship left Fianna pregnant and heartbroken. She has avoided Duncarraig and her ex-husband ever since.

But with her home obliterated by the Vikings, Fianna must face her past in order to save her son, and prove once and for all she is a woman of courage.

Excerpt:

Twelve years ago she’d been Connell’s wife. His devastating rejection of her, after only three months of marriage, and their subsequent divorce caused a pain so real it twisted her insides. The hostilities that ensued after their separation, followed by an uneasy truce when she found she was pregnant with their son, Lorcan, made it prudent to restrict her contact.

During their short marriage he had weakened her in a way no other man could. She’d transformed into a woman so overtaken with lust she’d been blind to everything, including his true feelings. With Connell all her instincts, control, and intellect became like overcooked oats, a sludge that thought of nothing except him.

Her breath caught when her former husband strode out of the large central house, marching toward her. His long limbs and easy stride accentuated the rippling muscles of his legs. Every movement emphasized his grace and strength. He was still tall and broad, with long, smooth, black hair and a black beard to match. He would have been too handsome, too pretty, if it hadn’t been for his large crooked nose. That imperfection added to his allure, making him more appealing. Her pulse quickened, and her body warmed with need. She forgot her reason for being here, forgot everything except him. Damn it. Even in her injured state, with everything she had endured, he still had the ability to turn her mind to mud.

After being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her ideas to paper. Her need to write about strong women in crisis drives her stories. You can visit Marlow at www.marlowkelly.com

Such an impressive list of adventures, Marlow! I loved reading about your ten moments, especially the challenges that were blessings in disguise. And I (as one myself) believe late writing bloomers are the best! 🙂

Ah ha! The real reason my ancestors fled England…refusing to drink tea! 🙂 A most courageous list of challenges and accomplishments. Best of luck with your new release and others following. PS: I do so love a large crooked nose in an otherwise “pretty” face.

I, too, started writing at forty, and for the same reason–the mid-life crisis, I’d better write that book I’ve always wanted to write. I’ve never heard any author say that, though, so it gave me a chuckle. Purchased A WOMAN OF COURAGE. I love Ireland and romances set there. (Just got back from a trip there last October and can’t wait to go again!) I enjoyed the excerpt and am looking forward to reading this. Also liked your ten moments. Sounds like you’ve faced some difficult things in your life and you too are a woman of courage. Nice meeting you!

Wow, you purchased my book!!! That’s great.
You are so lucky I would love to return to Ireland, but my family obligations mean I have to go to England and my time is limited. Maybe one day I’ll go back to the land of rainbows and fairies

Fascinating 10 moments, Marlow! I had a friend whose husband was transferred to Canada (from the US), and she wasn’t allowed to work in her field either. She was so annoyed. I was surprised! The story sounds great. Love the cover!